Electronic computer having a magneto-optic unit

ABSTRACT

This invention refers to an electronic computer 10 having a reader 21 for the reading of removable magneto-optic media (CD-ROM) 14. The electronic computer 10 allows even non-expert users to playback the CD-ROM media by pressing pushbuttons 48 on a button panel 45 and visualises on a display 47 information concerning the type of CD-ROM inserted in the reader 21 and the functionality selected. The electronic computer 10 is also capable of passing automatically from an operating state of maximum performance to one of reduced performance with a resultant reduction in electrical energy consumption. The electronic computer 10 can also be connected to television sets 12 and to video recorders 13. The computer 10 according to this invention, while possessing the functionality described above, still remains flexible, powerful, and upgradable, which are attributes typical of personal computers.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention refers to an electronic computer for handlingmagneto-optic media, comprising a central processing unit (CPU), memorymeans connected to the CPU for storing data and programs, a compact disk(CD) reading unit connected to the CPU for reading data pre-recorded ona removable disk of different type (AUDIO-CD, PHOTO-CD, VIDEO-CD), inputreceiving means connected to the CPU for receiving input from anexternal input unit and connecting means for connecting an externalvideo unit to the CPU. More precisely, this invention refers to anelectronic computer for the handling of optical type compact disks(CD-ROM).

BACKGROUND ART

Personal computers are known in the current art that are used to readand playback optic and/or magnetic media. These computers, one of whichis the Applicant's PCS Educator, use either a keyboard or a pointingdevice, commonly known as a "mouse", to activate the read and playbackfunctionality of the CD-ROM and have the Personal Computer's monitor astheir visual display device.

Also known in the current art is the use of commercial appliances, knownas CD-players, to read and playback CD-ROM's. These appliances providefor actuation of the various controls by means of a plurality ofpushbuttons, each with a predefined functionality, and have a televisionset as their visual display device. Inter alia, from EuropeanPublication EP-A-453108, is known a CD-player for playing CD-audio andmemory disk which comprises a system controller, having a microcomputer,for controlling the entire system, an operating section, for issuingvarious commands in response to the user's key entries, and an imagedisplay controller, associated to a Liquid Crystal Display, fordisplaying images, such as a map. Such CD-player is able to determinewhether the disk to be played is a CD-audio or a memory disk on thebasis of identifying information in the TOC (Table Of Contents) of thedisk.

The known computers, though they allow reading and playing of CD-ROMs,are of limited performance with respect to the commercial CD-playersinsofar as they are not apt for reading and playback of all the types ofCD-ROM available on the market, nor for use of the television as thepreferential visual display device, nor for connection to other magneticmedia playback devices, such as video recorders for example. Further,the known computers are difficult for non-expert users to use as theyrequire utilisation of devices, such as the keyboard or mouse, withwhich domestic users are unfamiliar.

On the other hand, though the CD-players are easy to use, they can onlyread and playback CD-ROMs and cannot perform any other processing work.In addition, these devices have the drawback that they are notupgradable, so that their performance cannot be improved upon nor cantheir characteristics be enhanced, for example following introduction ofa new type CD-ROM.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The purpose of this invention is that of presenting an electroniccomputer which, though remaining highly flexible, powerful andupgradable, allows users to select and actuate the various CD-ROM readand playback functions both easily and immediately.

In accordance with this purpose, the electronic computer, according tothe present invention, is characterised by a console having a pluralityof actuating elements selectively actuatable for generating commandsignals, by a display unit, and by control means connected to theactuating elements, to the display unit and to the CPU; wherein the CPUis able to recognise the type of removable disk inserted in the CDreading unit by comparing the data read from the removable disk with thedata stored into the memory means and to transmit to the control meansI/O signals indicative of the type of removable disk inserted, andwherein the control means controls the display unit and the actuatingelements to display information relating to the type of removable diskinserted into the CD reading unit and to enable the actuating elementsto transmit the command signals to the CPU for commanding the functions(Play,Pause,Stop,FF,etc.) of the CD reading unit on the basis ofpredefined programs stored into the memory means.

According to a further characteristic of this invention, the electroniccomputer is characterised by the fact that it has automatic means forthe control of its electric power supply, which are suitable forgenerating, after a predetermined time or following depression of agiven push-button, a switching signal that results in switching from aoperating state of full performance, accompanied by a greaterconsumption of electricity, to a stand-by state of operation where lesselectricity is consumed.

According to a further characteristic of this invention, the electroniccomputer is provided with communication means that may be controlled bythe central processing unit and can be connected to a television or to avideo recorder unit to visualise the contents of the CD-ROMs or the dataprocessed by the computer on the television and/or to record theabove-mentioned contents or data on the video recorder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

This and other characteristics of the present invention will becomeapparent when the following description of a preferred embodiment,provided by way of a non-exhaustive example, is considered inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 represents a general diagram of the electronic computer accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 2 represents a block diagram of the computer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 represents a block diagram of the console of the computer of FIG.2; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged scale view of the console of FIG. 3.

PREFERRED MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an electronic computer 10,according to the present invention, comprises a motherboard 20, a reader21 for magneto-optic disks (CD-ROM) 14, a console 11, a speaker device22 and a hard disk type memory unit (HDU) 23.

Electronic computer 10 further comprises a video interface logic (SCARTcontroller) 35 and a series of known type connection sockets 61, 62 and63, apt to be connected respectively to a keyboard, a mouse and amonitor, not shown on the drawings.

Reader 21, console 11, speaker 22, HDU 23, SCART controller 35 and theseries of sockets 61, 62 and 63 are connected to a data channel 33 ofmotherboard 20.

Motherboard 20 comprises a central processing unit (CPU) 30 and both arandom access memory (RAM) 32 and a read only memory (ROM) 31, bothconnected to CPU 30.

Motherboard 20 may be comprised, for example, of a motherboard forPersonal Computer and is suitable for processing programs recorded onHDU 23 and reading, through reader 21, data pre-recorded on CD-ROMs 14,which may be of the AUDIO, PHOTO, VIDEO or DATA types. Reader 21comprises a slot 19 in which CD-ROMs 14 are capable of being removablyinserted. Console 11 comprises a display unit 47 suitable for thedisplay of messages and a button panel 45, having a plurality ofpushbuttons 48 suitable to be activated to transmit predefined commandsto the CPU 30, either along data channel 33 or through two lines 51 and52.

SCART controller 35 is apt to be connected to a television set 12 and avideo recorder 13, both known in the current art, by means respectivelyof SCART plugs (16 and 18) and cables (15 and 17) and is apt to transmitthe data read by reader 21 to television set 12 and/or video-recorder 13for playback. SCART controller 35 is also apt to transmit, in a knownway, audio and video signals from video recorder 13 to television set12.

ROM 31 is suitable for storing the firmware programs, developed duringthe design stage of motherboard 20, and comprises two areas (31a and31b) in which the instructions are stored that cause electronic computer10 to execute given functions that will be described later in detail.

RAM 32 comprises an area 32a in which information from the CD-ROMinserted in reader 21 is apt to be stored, as will be described later indetail. CPU 30 which is constituted, for example, by a 486SLmicroprocessor produced by INTEL Inc., is suitable for supporting aprotected type system management feature called "Protect and SystemManagement Mode", already described in Patent Application No.TO95A000122, filed on Feb. 21st 1995 by the Applicant. This feature isoriginated by a System Management Interrupt signal, hereinafter simply"SMI", and is characterised by the fact that CPU 30, once it receivesthe SMI signal, suspends current activity, handles the instructionsprovided for in the motherboard 20 design stage and stored in ROM 31concerning the SMI signal received, before returning to regular activityas if the interrupt had never happened.

Console 11 comprises a microchip 40 (FIG. 3) to which button panel 45,display 47 and a light-emitting diode (LED) 46 are connected.

Microchip 40 is constituted, for example, by the 75268 MICROCHIPproduced by Nippon Electric Corporation and comprises a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 43, a read only memory (ROM) 41, suitable forrecording programs developed in the console 11 design stage, and arandom access memory (RAM) 42.

Console 11 is suitable for transmitting CPU 30, through line 52, the SMIsignal and consequently institute Protect and System Management Mode.

Console 11 is also suitable for transmitting, through line 51, aninterrupt signal INT causing CPU 30 to suspend, in a known way, itsactivity in expectation of input/output data (I/O) directed by console11 to data channel 33.

Button panel 45 comprises a plurality of function buttons 48, such as"PLAY", "PAUSE", "FAST FORWARD", "REWIND" and "STOP" commonly used oncommercial type appliances, video recorders and CD-players for example,and is suitable for transmitting predefined signals to microchip 40,preferably by depressing one or more pushbuttons 48 in combination. Onebutton 49 of button panel 45 (stand-by button) is suitable fortransmitting the SMI signal to motherboard 20.

Operation of the electronic computer 10 described up to this point is asfollows.

As is known, CD-ROMs are formatted in such a way as to include a"Lead-in area" in which the table of contents (TOC) is stored,containing the number of tracks used, total playing time and, for eachtrack, both the type of information recorded and the address of thetrack on the CD-ROM. In another area of the CD-ROM, indications arerecorded (VTOC) on the CD-ROM Directory structure, such as an index,names and dimensions of the data files. These indications are notfeatured on the CD-AUDIO media.

The specifications concerning data formatting on the CD-ROMs aredescribed in standard manuals, named after the colour of the cover; forexample, the CD-AUDIO specifications are described in the RED-BOOK, theDATA CD-ROM specifications are described in the YELLOW-BOOK, and so on.

Following insertion by a user of a CD-ROM 14 in slot 19 (FIG. 1), reader21 (FIG. 2) sets CD-ROM 14 in rotation in a known way, reads the TOCarea (Table Of Contents) and VTOC area (Volume Table Of Contents), ifpresent, of CD-ROM 14 and transmits CPU 30 a message suitable forsignalling that insertion has been made.

CPU 30 interprets the message received and transfers the data read byreader 21 to area 32a of RAM 32.

The data transferred to area 32a of RAM 32 are then compared with thosestored in area 31a of ROM 31 in order to identify the type of CD-ROM 14inserted.

Once the type of CD-ROM 14 inserted has been identified, CPU 30transmits console 11, through data channel 33, I/O signals indicatingwhat type of CD-ROM 14 has been inserted and other related information.

Microchip 40 (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3), upon reception of the I/O signals fromCPU 30, drives display 47 so that messages corresponding to the type ofCD-ROM 14 inserted in reader 21 are displayed and enables button panel45 to enter commands in order to activate playback of the CD-ROM 14inserted.

The following tables illustrate the function associated with each button48 and the messages appearing on display 47, in relation to the type ofCD-ROM 14 inserted in reader 21.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                        AUDIO-CD                                                                          OPERATING CONDITIONS:                                                                            MESSAGE DISPLAYED:                                     ______________________________________                                        On recognition of the CD                                                                         CD AUDIO                                                                                         TOTAL TIME (MM:SS)                                                           TRACK (nnn)                                After recognition of the CD        TRACK (nnn)                                                                    CD AUDIO                                  Play         >                                                                                                    TRACK (nnn)                                                                   TIME (MM:SS)                              Pause                              | |                                                          TRACK (nnn)                                                                   TIME (MM:SS)                              Stop                               TRACK                                                                          CD AUDIO                                  FF                                 TRACK (nnn)                                                                    > >                                                                           TIME (MM:SS)                              RW                                 TRACK (nnn)                                                                   < <                                                                            TIME (MM:SS)                              FF Scan                            SCAN                                                                           > >                                                                           TRACK (nnn)                               RW Scan                            SCAN                                                                           < <                                                                          TRACK (nnn)                              ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                        PHOTO CD                                                                          OPERATING CONDITIONS:                                                                            MESSAGE DISPLAYED:                                     ______________________________________                                        On recognition of the CD                                                                         PHOTO CD                                                                                        PICTURE (nnn)                              Play/Autoplay                     PICTURE (nnn)                                                                 NEXT (nnn + 1)                                                                 Autoplay button blinking                   Pause                             | |                                                         PICTURE (nnn)                                                                NEXT (nnn + 1)                               Stop                                                                          FF        > >                                                                                                   PICTURE (nnn)                                                                  NEXT (nnn + 1)                             RW                      < <                                                                                      PICTURE (nnn)                                                                NEXT (nnn + 1)                            ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 3                                                         ______________________________________                                        VIDEO CD                                                                          OPERATING CONDITIONS:                                                                            MESSAGE DISPLAYED:                                     ______________________________________                                        On recognition of the CD                                                                         VIDEO CD                                                                            TOTAL TIME (MM:SS)                                     Play                              >                                                                             (MM:SS)                                     Pause                              | |                                                       (MM:SS)                                      Stop                               VIDEO CD                                   FF         > >                                                                                                    (MM:SS)                                   RW         < <                                                                                                      (MM:SS)                               ______________________________________                                    

For example, if an AUDIO-CD type CD-ROM 14 is inserted in reader 21, themarkings "CD" and "AUDIO" are lit on display 47 and also a messageindicating the total playback time and the number of tracks recorded;furthermore, button panel 45 is enabled so that its pushbuttons 48 cancommand sound playback of the tracks.

Following depression of one of the buttons 48 of button panel 45 (FIG.3), the "PLAY" button for example, a predefined signal is transmitted tomicrochip 40 where it is interpreted by CPU 43, on the basis of thesettings recorded in the ROM 41 design stage, and converted into aninterrupt signal INT for transmission to CPU 30 (FIG. 2), through line51, and into an I/O signal for transmission to data channel 33 ofmotherboard 20.

CPU 30 thus commands reading and playback of CD-ROM 14 on the basis ofpredefined programs, memorised in RAM 32.

For example, if the CD-ROM 14 is AUDIO-CD type, the data read by thereader 21 are processed and transferred in a known way, through datachannel 33, to speakers 22 for amplification and playback.

If the CD-ROM is PHOTO-CD type, the data read are processed andtransferred in a known way to SCART controller 35 which, depending onthe user-defined parameters stored in RAM 32, transmits the data totelevision 12, through socket 16 and cable 15 (FIG. 1), and/or to videorecorder 13 through socket 18 and cable 17.

If CD-ROM 14 is VIDEO CD type, the data read are processed andtransferred in a known way to SCART controller 35 (FIG. 2) and tospeakers 22 for playback.

It will be clear that electronic computer 10 described up to here issuitable for recognising in an automatic way the type of magneto-opticmedium 14 inserted in the reader 21 and for arranging for playback ofthe media 14 simply through depression of buttons 48 (FIG. 4).

It will also be clear that all the images displayed on television 12 mayalso be transmitted to video recorder 13 for recording.

Following playback of the different kinds of CD-ROM, or if button panel45 or reader 21 (FIG. 2) remain inoperative for a predetermined periodof time, CPU 43 (FIG. 3) transmits the SMI signal to CPU 30 (FIG. 2).

CPU 30, on receiving said signal, reads the predefined instructions inarea 31b of ROM 31 and transmits, through data channel 33, commandssuitable for suspending the activities of the peripheral units connectedto motherboard 20 such as, for example, reader 21 and HDU 23. CPU 30also transmits I/O signals to microchip 40 (FIG. 3) commanding LED 46 tolight (FIG. 4), indicating the inoperative state of electronic computer10 (FIG. 2).

In this way, after a predefined time ranging from some tens of secondsto a few minutes, electronic computer 10 automatically goes into acondition of reduced activity or stand-by during which the consumptionof electrical energy is greatly reduced.

Only depression of a button 48 (FIG. 4) on button panel 45 or insertionof a new CD-ROM 14 in slot 19 (FIG. 1) can restore normal operatingconditions. In actual fact, following depression of a button 48 (FIG.3), for example, a signal is transmitted to microchip 40 that can sendthe SMI signal to CPU 30 (FIG. 2) which, having read the predefinedinstructions in area 31b of ROM 31, activates the peripheral unitspreviously de-activated.

In parallel with signal SMI, CPU 43 also transmits an interrupt signalINT along line 51 and a corresponding I/O signal to data channel 33(FIG. 2) which make CPU 30 execute the function corresponding to thebutton 48 (FIG. 1) actuated. Activation and de-activation of electroniccomputer 10 may be achieved in a similar manner to the above throughdepression of stand-by button 49 (FIG. 3) which is apt to transmit theSMI signal to CPU 30 by means of microchip 40 (FIG. 2).

Even in the electronic computer 10 stand-by condition (FIG. 2), theconnection between plug 18 and plug 16 through SCART controller 35 isstill good so that it is always possible to display ribbon tapes playedby video recorder 13 on television 12 (FIG. 1).

In a further configuration of electronic computer 10 button panel 45,instead of being fitted on the computer basic structure, may be providedon a free-standing remote control device and be suitable, in this case,for transmitting remotely the signals corresponding to the predefinedfunctions of button panel 45.

In yet another configuration, electronic computer 10 can be connected bymeans of connectors 61 and 62 to a keyboard and a known type of mousecommonly used in Personal Computers so that electronic computer 10 maybe used as a common personal computer. In this form of use, it will beclear that both the buttons depressed and the processed data displayedby television 12 may be recorded by video recorder 13.

Further, electronic computer 10 can be connected by means of connector63 to a known type monitor, commonly used in Personal Computers. Inconfigurations of this type, both images recorded on PHOTO-CD orVIDEO-CD type CD-ROMs 14 and film clips read with video recorder 13 maybe played back on this monitor, without the need for television 12.

It will be readily understood that modifications and changes may be madeto the dimensions, shapes, components, circuit elements, connections andcontacts, as also to the circuitry and construction details and methodof operation of the electronic computer described up to now without inany way departing from the scope of this invention.

I claim:
 1. An electronic computer (10) comprising a central processingunit (CPU) (30), memory means (31, 32) connected to said CPU (30) forstoring data and programs, a compact disk (CD) reading unit (21)connected to said CPU (30) for reading data pre-recorded on a removabledisk (14) of different type, input receiving means (61) connected tosaid CPU (30) for receiving input from an external input unit,connecting means (16,18,35) for connecting an external video unit (12)to said CPU (30), a physical console (11) having a plurality ofactuating elements (48,49) selectively actuatable for generating commandsignals for commanding the functions of said CD reading unit (21) on thebasis of predefined programs stored into said memory means (31, 32) andof the type of removable disk (14) inserted into said CD reading unit(21), and console control means (40) connected to said plurality ofactuating elements (48), and to said CPU (30); wherein said CPU (30) isable to recognize the type of removable disk (14) inserted into said CDreading unit (21) by comparing the data read from said removable disk(14) with the data stored into said memory means (31,32) and to transmitto said console control means (40) an I/O signal indicative of the typeof said removable disk (14) and wherein said console control means (40)is able to control said actuating elements (48) to generate commandsignals in accordance with said I/O signal.
 2. An electronic (10) asdefined in claim 1 wherein said display unit (46,47) is mounted on saidphysical console (11).
 3. An electronic (10) as defined in claim 1,wherein said external video unit (12) is a television.
 4. An electronic(10) as defined in claim 1, wherein said connecting means (16,18,35) isfurther connectable to a video reader/recorder unit (13) either fordisplay on said external video unit (12) data read from said videoreader/recorder unit (13) or for recording on said video render/recorderunit (13) said pre-recorded data and/or data processed by said CPU (30).5. An electronic computer (10) as defined in claim 1, further comprisinga switching element (49) connected to said console control means (40),wherein said switching element (49) is actuatable for switching said CPU(30) from a full performance operating state to a reduced performanceoperating state and vice versa.
 6. An electronic computer as defined inclaim 1, further comprising a display unit (46,47) connected to saidconsole control means (40), wherein said console control means (40) isable to control said display unit (46,47) to display informationrelating to the type of removable disk (14) inserted into said CDreading unit (21).
 7. An electronic computer (10) as defined in claim 1,further comprising power management means (31b) for switching said CPU(30) from a full performance operating state to a reduced performanceoperating state and vice versa and wherein said connecting means(16,18,35) is further connectable to a video reader/recorder unit (13)for displaying on said external video unit (12) data read from saidvideo reader/recorder unit (13) during said reduced performanceoperating state.